Genesis 15:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why did this occur at twilight, as the day was coming to a close? This timing served to heighten Abraham's awareness, as 'both terror and great darkness’ enveloped him, allowing these manifestations to lead him toward a deeper perception of God's vision. This method is consistent with God's approach. Consider when He intended to present the law and the commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai; it is recorded that there was darkness, a tempest, and a smoking mountain (Ex. 19:16-18). The Scripture also states, ‘touches the mountains, and they smoke’ (Ps. 103:32). Since the incorporeal cannot be perceived through the senses, the Lord aims to convey His presence through specific revelations.

I will also explain what may have prompted this, as far as I am able. The Chaldeans possessed a long-standing practice, passed down through generations, of meticulously observing the movement of birds. And the God of all creation permitted that human beings could gain insights about the future based on these established customs of conduct. Consequently, when the birds descended upon the butchered portions of the animals, the righteous Abraham was filled with apprehension, perhaps bewildered by the significance of the sign and to whom it was directed. It appeared to him to be a foreboding sign, troubling him that the most impure of birds had approached the offerings, for these unclean birds are often known to be predatory in nature.

As the sun began to set, a deep fear and dread fell upon Abraham, symbolizing the impending turmoil and severe trials that will strike the unbelievers before the conclusion of this age. This aligns with the words of the Lord in the Gospel, ‘Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world until now, neither shall be’ (Matt. 24:21).

Just as Abimelech fell into a deep slumber (Gen. 20:3), Abram also experienced a profound sleep when God manifested His presence to him, establishing a covenant. In this divine promise, God declared that ten nations would be subservient to Abram’s descendants and that the entire territory, stretching from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates, would be bestowed as an inheritance to his offspring.

In place of ‘temptation’ (ἔκστασις), the Hebrew script uses thardema (תַרְדֵּמָ֖ה), which corresponds to καταϕορά. I previously interpreted this term as ‘sound sleep.’

Fear and profound darkness. This dread may have been either a direct consequence of experiencing God's presence (Job 4:13-16), or a sorrowful omen of what is revealed next.

As Abram pondered the heavenly visions, he was overwhelmed with a profound fear characteristic of one who is truly righteous. It is noteworthy that this overwhelming sensation occurred at dusk, symbolizing a transition, as the earthly day had concluded for Abram, allowing him to access a greater reality. This aligns with the promise of blessings expressed in Scripture, stating, "I will fulfill him with length of days" (Psalms 90:16). Here, it is not merely longevity that God assures him, but a clear enlightenment and prosperity. Abram experienced a profound astonishment—not of the kind akin to madness, but a significant shift from the tangible to the intangible. The Apostle teaches us, "If we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we have sound judgment, it is for you" (2 Cor.

Up until now, everything revealed to Abram was shown through a 'vision' while he was awake. This vision then transformed into a prophetic dream. Abram perceives that the sun has set, and then a profound fear overwhelmed him. The Hebrew text more precisely states that ‘he fell into a deep sleep.’ This slumber was not ordinary; it was induced by God, similar to the way Adam experienced it during the creation of Eve. In this dream, 'a great and dark fear came upon him.' Abram sensed himself engulfed in impenetrable darkness, feeling as lost as a blind man unsure of his direction. This experience filled him with immense dread, which signified the divine presence (Job 4:15-17) and foreshadowed the troubling revelation to come. 'To the setting sun' also served as a prelude to the anticipation of the challenging times that Abram's descendants would face before claiming the promised land.